Sevenoaks Rugby Club was deeply saddened by the loss of Mike Williams, a pioneer of rugby who led our 1st XV to promotion to London 1 South and Kent Cup victory as Head Coach in 1997, who passed away in recent weeks.
Many Club members have fond memories of Mike, who was both a leader and an inspiration. Mike coached many Sevenoaks Rugby Club players as schoolboys at Sevenoaks School, in his role as Master in Charge of Rugby at Sevenoaks School. Many of us will have played alongside, or against Mike – as well as playing for Rosslyn Park and for Blackheath, he would turn out for the Whitney Buccaneers.
Mike was an early proponent of 7s Rugby and a point of intelligence and knowledge on all matters rugby-related. He readily shared his words of wisdom with patience and impact, including in hand written notes to players with their individual tasks in advance of matches.
Howard Pearl has kindly confirmed that although the Club's 1993/94 season started with no Head Coach, Mike was invited to take over the coaching duties after Christmas and continued as Head Coach through to the end of 97/98. During this period, the 1st XV were Kent 1 Champions in 94/95, gained promotion to London 2 South in 96/97 and were also Kent Cup winners that season.
We extend our thoughts and prayers to Mike's wife, Rose, and family.
Mike's funeral will take place at 10:00am 17 May, Bluebell Hill cemetery, with the wake at Sevenoaks Rugby Club.
